Biogenic Insecticides Described

, a bacterium which lives in a symbiotic relationship with nematodes. The tiny worms enter insect larvae through natural openings, where they proceed to "cough up" the bacteria, so to speak. Bacterial toxins produced by the light-emitting bacteria kill the insect larvae (see photo), thus creating a larger reservoir of nourishment for the proliferation of nematodes and bacteria. For this reason, the worms and their bacteria are often used as biogenic insecticides. produces various toxins which form large toxin complexes (Tc proteins). The biologically active complex consists of the three components TcA, TcB, and TcC. Until now, scientists have not succeeded in describing the enzymatic activity or the mode of action of these toxins.